Gerechtigheid 1640

Cornelis Bloemaert made this print, Gerechtigheid, or Justice, in the Netherlands, sometime in the 17th century. The image depicts a female personification of justice seated in a classical setting. She holds scales in one hand and a sword in the other, both well-established symbols. But, consider the cultural context. The Dutch Republic in the 17th century was a major center for trade and legal innovation. New forms of contract and maritime law were being developed, and the institutions of justice played a crucial role in maintaining social order. Figures like Justice often adorned public buildings. The inclusion of Justice in the Rijksmuseum tells a story about the evolving role of museums in shaping national identity. Researching the archives would reveal more about the changing interpretations of this print over time. We can learn a great deal about the past by studying its art.